The Warriors are going to have to get used to this scenario going forward. The absence of the franchise superstar, Stephen Curry, is an inevitably sad circumstance and eventually the reality. He’s averaging almost 30 minutes a game. While that is the future, right now, the Dubs will have to face the top-seeded OKC Thunder without the 36-year-old. And what is the reason this time?

According to Anthony Slater, “Steph Curry is out tonight with this bilateral knee issue.” The Athletic reporter further noted in a separate tweet that this injury was nothing more than “the accumulated aches of an NBA schedule for a 36-year-old high usage point guard.”

The man is in his 16th year and still averaging some crazy numbers any given night. In 14 games so far, Stephen Curry is scoring 22.4 points, grabbing 5.4 rebounds, and dishing out 6.5 assists per game. And all this while shooting a brilliant 47.5% from the field and 44.4% from the deep. It’s no wonder that his body would feel the weight of still playing at such a high level after all these years.

Slater also provided a projected timeline for return: “Four days off between games assuming a return on Saturday at Suns.” And off days or rest is exactly what our good doctor, Dr. Nirav Pandya, Professor of UCSF Orthopedic Surgery and injury analyst for 957 The Game, also suggested.

“Rest / decreased workload is the key treatment for patellofemoral issues in general. Not surprising especially with it being bilateral,” Dr. Pandya wrote in response to Slater’s tweet about Curry’s availability tonight.

Aside from Stephen Curry, the Warriors forward, Jonathan Kuminga, also has a ‘questionable’ tag on him because of illness. Kuminga missed the previous two games, although he joined practice on Tuesday. Tonight’s matchup, though, will be quite interesting.

A high-stakes rematch without Stephen Curry and 22-year-old OKC star

Tonight’s clash has an added intrigue- both teams are missing key players. Stephen Curry was pivotal to the victory the last time they met. And Chet Holmgren sustained a serious injury. In the 127-116 victory at Paycom Center, Holmgren exited early, and the Warriors capitalized on his absence with a strong performance, behind Curry’s 36-point showcase.

This rematch shifts the dynamics entirely. Without Curry, the Warriors lose their clutch performer, allowing OKC to exploit the void. Meanwhile, the Thunder, now missing Holmgren, must rely heavily on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and their depth to overcome Golden State’s defensive schemes. For the Dubs, the focus would’ve turned to De’Anthony Melton, whose energy off the bench could’ve been pivotal tonight. But he’s out for the season. Can Buddy Hield step up again after his fiery 50% 3-point streak in the first five games?

The Thunder, sitting atop the Western Conference standings, aim to avenge their earlier loss and extend their dominance. For the Warriors, this game serves as a litmus test for their supporting cast to rise in Curry’s absence, particularly against an elite opponent. With both teams missing stars, it sets the stage for a battle of depth, strategy, and grit in what promises to be an intense showdown.